Savoy

The Savoy, set to reopen on 10 October 2010, has become part and parcel of the history of London and indeed of the country. The name runs back to 1246, when an area of land between the Strand and the Thames was presented to Peter, Count of Savoy, by Henry III. Peter built his Savoy Palace on the river, and the name has been used for the location ever since. In 1881, Richard D'Oyly Carte opened the Savoy Theatre specifically for light operas written by Gilbert and Sullivan, and in 1889, the Savoy hotel was built alongside.

The new millennium, ushered in by a fantastic Savoy party, brought with it the need for refurbishment, and in December 2007, operations began in view of the re-launch of the Savoy in October 2010. There is no doubt that society has changed, and London itself has changed, and so the management company operating the Savoy, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, dedicated careful thought to the hotel's geographical and functional positioning. The incredible developments seen by the city have galvanized an already prestigious area of the city, close to Covent Garden and its opera house, Mayfair and its boutiques, West End theatreland, the City with its business, and, further down the river, Canary Wharf. The Hotel will build on its reputation, enhancing its cherished characteristics while adding new features.

The restoration programme represents an investment of over £100 million, and it has involved the entire building, with all public areas and guest rooms. It was masterminded by Pierre-Yves Rochon, whose previous work on luxury hotels includes the George V in Paris and Hotel Hermitage in Monaco. The design for the Savoy preserves the original Edwardian style of the building, and the Art Deco features added in the 1920s and 30s. The Thames Foyer, in the original Edwardian style, becomes the heart of life in the hotel, with a new winter garden under the glass cupola. A new addition is the Beaufort Bar, specializing in champagne. Savoy Tea serves classic English teas with delectable patisserie.

The River Restaurant boasts superb views over the Thames, under the leadership of chef Ryan Murphy who presents a modern French menu.

The Savoy Grill will remain a firm favourite, with Stuard Gillies as chef patron and Andy Cook as head chef. Their ambition is to return to the Savoy Grill's origins, with an extensive and highly theatrical menu enhanced by the unique atmosphere of the room. One of the more contemporary features will probably include the "power lunches" for which brevity becomes an important factor.

The American Bar will continue to be a glittering hub for society and for anyone who wants to savour the unique style and luxury of a veritable institution. The most exclusive parts of the hotel have been equally revamped. The Lancaster Room, a sumptuous location for events, has been restored, and the new two-bedroom Royal Suite will be a splendid accommodation, with a total of eight rooms all offering the famous river views.

Click here to read a complete article on the Savoy and its history